Apparatus for developing picture films



Oct. 11,1927.

L. J. RIGGLE APPARATUS FOR DEVELOPING PICTURE FILMS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 9. 1926 Patented Oct. 11, 1927.

UNITED STATES LEO JAMES RIGGLE, OF MONROE, WISCONSIN.

APPARATUS FOR DEVELOPING PICTURE FILMS.

Application filed Juno 9, 1926. Serial No. 114,815.

The present invention relates to the art of photography, and more particularly to an improved apparatus for the developing and-finishing of picture films.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a novel type of apparatus for developing picture films, whereby the negatives may-be rendered free from finger marks and scratches, and with the minimum amount of trouble.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel type of film developing and finishing apparatus embodying features of construction whereby the sensitized films may be disposed in a container and left to remain in the container through the entire gfocess of developing and washing of the A still further object of the invention resides in the provision of a novel type of film developing tank embodying features whereby afterthe developing process of the film a suitable conductor may be connected with the tank for permitting of water to be passed a thru the film for thorough washing of the developing and fixing solutions from the film. y

A still further object of the invention resides in the provision of a novel type of film holder or carrier embodying features of construction whereby various sizes of roll films may be supported in the tank of the apparatus with an ample space between the consecutive layers of the film for permitting of liquid to readily pass between the layers during the developing, fixing, and washing procedures. A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel type of film developing -10 apparatus embodying a tank into which the film to be developed is supported in the tank in spaced relation above the bottom of the tank for providing a difi'using chamberinto which water for washing of the film is ad- 4 mitted and passes upwardly through the film for discharge at the up er end of the tank. Other objects and adintages of the invention will be apparent uring the course of the following detailed description, taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which drawings.

igure 1 is a side elevation of the 1mve'd developing apparatus and showing the. same .jconnected with a source of water supply.

Figure 2 is an enlarged central vertical section through the device, showing a roll film supported in the tank and a solution in the tank for developing of the film.

Figure 3 is a transverse section on line 33 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is atop plan view of the tank, showing the auxiliary or light excluding cover removed, and showing a portion of the tank broken away for illustrating certain details of construction.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary section of the upper portion of the tank, the View being taken on line 55 of Figure 4 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 6 is-a sectional view on line 6-6 of Flgure2 and showing particularly the construction of the film holder or carrier.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view partly in section and part in elevation illustrating the construction of one end of the flexible conveyor for the water and showing the same connected to the duct of the film tank.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a keeper pin for use in connection with the film holder.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view on line 99 of Figure 6.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the letter A designates the film tank, B a cover structure for the tank A, G a film holder or carrier for removable positioning within the tank A, and D a flexible tubing for conducting of water from the spigot E to the tank A. In the example shownin Figure 1, the apparatus is shown positioned in a sink S, the sink being provided with the usual drain R.

Referring first to the tank A, and which is preferably formed of hard rubber or a suitable composition not elfected by the developing solutions, the same is preferably of circular shape in form and is provided at its upper open end with an annular flange or enlargement 10 for providing a suitable internal annular shoulder 11. Formed adjacent the lower end of the tank, is an internal substantially triangular shaped internal flange 12 formin an annular seat 13 upon which the. film ho der or carrier C rests when positioned in the tank. Extending from the tank at a point below the flange 12, is a tubular spout or nipple let and which spout is preferably formed integral with the tank.

Suitable feet 15 may be moulded at the bottom of the tank for'elevating the spout 14 a sufficient distance for permitting of ready connection of one end of the flexible tubing D with the spout. The duct 16 of the spout 14 opens into the diffusing chamber 17 which is provided at the lower end of the tank when the film holder C is positioned in the tank and restsvupon the seat 13. Provided in the upper marginal edge of the flange 10 of the tank A, is one or more drain openings 18, and the object of which will. be subsequently explained.

The cover structure B embodies a disc shaped sealing cover 19 which is preferably formed of the same material as that of the tank A, and of a suitable thickness so as not to yield to any material expense when clamped into position for sealing of the upper end of the tank. A yieldable ring like gasket 20 is interposed between the shoulder 11 and marginal portion of the cover 19 for providing a leak proof Seal for the cover when positioned for closing-the upper end of the tank. The cover 19 is provided with an axially disposed circular shaped opening 21 and into which opening a suitable cork or closure plug 22 may be inserted during certain steps of the developing process. A retainer 23 is provided for holding the cover 19 in. position upon the gasket '20, and is preferably formed of spring metal, embodying a disc like body portion 24 adapted to engage fiat upon the upper side of the cover 19 and having diametrically disposed integral spring arm portions 25 which incline upwardly from the main body portion 24. These upwardly inclined spring arms 25 are adapted to have their end portions engage in diametrically disposed oppositely inclined guideways 26 extending circun'iferentially at the inner side of the flangelO. Each of the guideways 26 are provided with upwardly opening ways 27 for permitting of the terminal portions of the spring arms 25 to be guided into the guideways upon initial positioning of the retainer upon the cover 19. The disc like body portion of the retainer is provided with an axially disposed opening 28 for permitting of the cork or stopper 22 being readily inserted into the opening21 of the cover 19. An auxiliary or light eX- eluding. cover 29, and which is of a diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of the upper end of the tank A, is provided'for positioning over the tank during certain steps of the developing process. This cover 29 may be in the form of a disc and merely lie flat upon the upper marginal edge of the tank, no securing means being necessary for this cover.

Referring now to the film holder or carrier. C, the same embodies as its essential portions, a rest plate 30, a hub post or portion 31, and a film retainer 32 mounted upon the post 31 and adapted for relative movement with respect to the rest plate 30 for permitting of proper positioning of various sizes of films in the holder C. The rest plate 30 and which is in the form of a disc of slightly less diameter than the inner diameter of the tank A, has provided in its upper surface a spiral groove 35 which is adapted to receive one edge of a roll film F in a manner so that an even space is provided between the consecutivelayers of the film. It might here be well to mention that the particular type of film holder C as shown in this application'is primarily intended for use in the developing of the cartridge type of roll films. Provided in the plate 30, is a series of radially extending passageways 36 which extend from points relatively near the peripheral edge of the disc to points spaced slightly from the axial center of the disc, and which passageways intersect the convolutions of the spiral groove 35 in a manner so that'the spiral groove is divided into a series of arcuate shaped grooves terminating at each end in adjacent passageways 36. These passageways 36 provide openings whereby liquid may readily pass from the chamber 17 upwardly through the rest plate and between the consecutive layers of the film supported upon the plate. While merely four ofthe passageways 36 have been shown, any desired number of these passageways may be provided in the rest plate for providing the desired circulation to be had between the layers of the film being developed. During certain steps in the process of the developing, it is essential to drain the-solutions from the tank A, and by having the passageways 36 inter-sect all of the convolutions of the spiral groove 35, all of the solution in he spiral groove will be permitted to drain t rough the passageways into the chamber 17. This draining of the groove 35 through the passageways 36 will be apparent by observing of Figure 9.

The hub post 31, and which also serves as a handle for the placing and removing of the film holder or carrier from the shank, is preferably of cylindrical shape in cross section and is connected at its lower end to the rest plate 30, axially of the plate. If desirable, the hub post31 may be cast as an integral part of the rest plate 30 but in the example shown is of a separate piece and secured in any suitable manner to the rest plate. The hub post 31 is pr vided with a series of transversely extending apertures 37 of a diameter to receive a removable tapering pin 38 which serves as a keeper for the film retainer 32. The object in so providing the hub post 31 with the series of apertures 37,-is to permit of the various standard sizes'of roll films to be properly positioned and held within the holder C. By so forming the pin 38 with a paper, will for adjustment along the hub post 31, is of substantially fiat formation, and embodies a hub portion 40 provided with a suitable number of radially extending arms 41. The hub 40 is of course provided with an opening through which the hub post 31 extends, This film retainer 32, after one edge of the film has been properly positioned in the spiral groove 35, is adapted to be slid along the hub post 31 into engagement with the opposite edge of the film in a manner for retaining the convolutions of the film in proper spaced relation by a slight clamping action of the retainer upon the edge of the film. The pin 38 will retain the member 32 in proper engagement with one edge of the film and the aperture 37 into'which the pin is inserted will of course be determined by the Particular size of the film to be developed. It willbe'observed from Figure 2,

that after the film has been properly positioned in the holder C, and the solution placed in the tank A, that the upper end of.

the hub post 31 will serve as a suitable handle for allowing the operator to easily place the film holder in positionin the tank with the rest plate 30 seating upon the flange 12.

While in the example shown, the holder or carrier C has been shown of a specific construction for the developing of the cartridge type of roll films, it is to be understood that upon slight alteration of the carrier, that the same may be effectively used for-the developing of photographic plates or films of the film pack type. a

The flexible tubing D and which is primarily intended for the washing operation of thecfihn contained within the tank A, is provided with similarly formed end portions or heads 50 one end of which may be positioned upon the spigot E and the opposite head slipped over the tubular spout 14 whereby upon proper opening of the spigot the water will be passed through the tubing D into the diffusing chamber 17 at the bottom of the tank A.

In use of the improved film developlng apparatus as shown, a cork or stopper 60 is first inserted into the open end of the spout,

14 for closing of the duct 16 and upon removing of the cover structure B, the proper amount of developing solution is prepared and poured into the tank A. The tank may then be carried into the photographic dark room and the film positioned in the holder C and the holder lowered into the developing solution. The sealing cover 19 is then positioned in place at the upper end of the tank and securely locked by the retaining means 23, the cork 22 being in position for closing of the aperture 21 in the cover 19 .The tank may then be carried and positioned in the sink S and the film contained therein allowed to develop for the proper length of time and after which the cork 60 may be removed and the cork 22 slightly loosened so that the opening 21 may act as a vent for allowing the developing-solution to drain thru the spout 14. The cork 22 may thenbe fully removed and the auxiliary cover 29 positioned over the top of the tank. The

tubing D may then be connected to the spigot E'and spout 14 and the water allowed to pass-upwardly thru the film and out thru the opening 21 and drain openings 18 fora short time, for thorough washing of the developer from the film without removing of the film from thetank. The tube D may then bercmoved from the spout 14 and the cork 16 inserted for closing of the spout and the tank again filled through the opening 21 with the proper fixing solution which is allowed to remain in the tank for a set time for clearing andhardening of the emulsion on the film. After proper fixing of the film, the cork 60 may then again be removed from the spout 14 and the fixing solution allowed to drain from the tank. The tube D may then be connected with the spout 14 and upon opening of the spigot E, the film allowed to wash for twenty or thirty minutes by the water'entering the chamber 17 and passing upwardly through the passageway 36 about the spaced layers of the film, through the opening 21, and be discharged over the sides of the tank through the drain openings 18. The-cover B may then be taken off and the film removed from the tank and allowed to dry in any desirable manner.

Thus it will be seen that during the procedures of developinq fixing and washing of the film, that handling of the film during any of the steps is entirely eliminated.

From theforegoing description it will be apparent that an improved apparatus for developing of picture films has been provided whereby perfect negatives may be rendered, free from finger marks and scratches and produced with a minimum amount of trouble.

Changes in detail may be made to the specific form of the invention herein shown and mg member resting upon the upper side of iao ' shoulder formed adjacent the upper en the cover and having upwardly inclined yieldable arms for locking engagement'with the inner wall of said tank.

2. In a film developing apparatus, the combination of a tank having a spout at its lower end provided with a removable closure plug and having an internal anngla;

o the tank, a closure disc seating upon the internal shoulder of the tank and having an opening provided with a removable-closure plug, and means for securing the closure disc in sealing relation upon the annular shoulder, comprising a retainer embodying a body portion for resting upon the upper surface of the disc and provided with oppositely disposed upwar-dly inclined yieldable arms for locking engagement with the tank above the upper surface of the closure disc.

3. In a film developing apparatus, the combination of a tank having an internal shoulder formed adjacent its upper end, diametrically disposed oppositely inclined guideways formed in the inner side of the tank above the shoulder, and a spout provided at the lower end of the tank and provided with a removable closure plug, a closure disc seating upon the internal shoulder of the tank, and a retainer for pressing the disc upon the shoulder, embodying a body portion resting upon the upper surface of the disc and provided with diametrically disposed upwardly inclined yieldable arms for engaging in the inclined guideways.

4. In a film developing apparatus, the combination of a tank having an internal annular shoulder spaced below the upper edge of the tank and a spout formed at the lower end of the tank and provided with a removable closure plug, said tank also having drain openings provided in its upper marglnal edge with the bottoms of the openings spaced above the internal shoulder, a closure disc seating upon the internal shoulde r with its upper face substantially parallel w th the bottoms of said drain openings and said disc having an opening provided with a removable closure plug, and yieldable means for retaining the disc in sealing relat1on upon the internal shoulder.

53. In a film developing apparatus, the comblnation of a tank having an internal shoulder formed adjacent its upper end. and having a spout at its lower end provided with a removable closure plug. a yieldable gasket fitting upon the internal shoulder. a sealing disc fitting upon the gasket and provided with an axially disposed opening provided with a removable closure plug projecting upwardly past the upper surface of the disc. and means for pressing the disc against the gasket comprising a retainer embodying a disc like body portion provided with an axially disposed opening through which the upwardly projecting closure plug of the disc .may resting upon the upper surface of the cloextend, said body portion sure disc and provided with radially extendmg yieldable arms for locking en age- Eleni; with the tank above the internal s oul- 6. In a film developing apparatus, the

combination of a tank having an internal seat adjacent its lower end and having a spout disposed below the seat and provided with a-removable closure plug, a cover for the tank having an openlng provided with a removable closure plug, means for retaining the cover in sealing relation upon the tank, and a removable film holder embodying a rest plate supported by the seat of the tank and provided with a series of radially extending passageways for permitting of a fluid to pass upwardly through the plate about a film supported upon the upper 'side of the plate. I

' 7. In a film developing apparatus, a holder comprising a rest plate upon which one edge of the film rests, a hub post carried by the rest plate, a retainer movable along the hub post, and means for holding the retainer in engagement with the opposite edge of the film.

8. In a film developing apparatus, a holder comprising a rest plate having a spiral groove provided in its upper surface for receiving one edge of a roll film, an axially disposed hub post carried by the rest plate and extending upwardly therefrom, a

retainer slidable on the hub post for engaging the opposite edge of the roll film, and means for holding the retainer in engagement with the film.

9. In a film developing apparatus, a holder comprising a rest plate having a spiral groove provided in its upper face for receiving one edge of a roll film, a hub post carried by the rest plate and extending upwardly from the center of the plate, a retainer slidable on the hub post and embodying radially extending arms for engaging the opposite edge of the roll film, and means 'for holding the retainer in engagement with the film.

10. In a film developing apparatus, a holder comprising a rest plate provided with radially extending passageways and having a spiral groove provided in its upper face, a hub post arranged axially of the rest plate and extending upwardly therefrom, a retainer slidable on the hub post, and means for holding the retainer in adjusted position along the post.

11. In a film developing apparatus, a holder comprising a rest plate having a. spiral groove provided in its upper face for receiving one edge of a roll film,

and provided with a series of apertures,

a hub post extending upwardly from the center of the for engaging the opposite edge of the roll film, and a pin insertable into either of the apertures of the hub post for holding the wardly extending hub post carried axially by the rest plate, and a retainer slidable on a the hub post and capable of being held in engagement with the opposite edge of roll films of various widths.

13. In a film developing apparatus, a holder comprising a rest plate having a spiral groove provided in its upper face and having radially extending passageways traversing the spiral groove, a hub post carried axially of the rest plate and extending upwardly from the plate, and a retainer adjustable along the hub post.

14. In a film developing apparatus, a holder comprising a rest plate provided with radially extending passageways and having a spiral groove provided in its upper face for receiving one edge of a roll film, a hub post carried axially of the rest plate and provided with a series of transverse apertures, a retainer slidable along the hub post and embodying radially exten ing arms for engaging the opposite edge of the film, and a pin insertible into either of the apertures of the hub post above the retainer for holding the retainer in engagement with the opposite edge of the film.

15. A film developing apparatus comprising a tank having a tubular spout at its lower end, a cover for the tank and provided with an opening, removable closure plugs for the spout and the opening in said cover, a removable film holder fitting in the tank and supported therein above the tubular spout, and a flexibletube for detachable connection with the outer end of said spout whereby uponremoval of both of said cloi sure plugs water may circulate upwardly through the tank for washing of a film supported in the film holder and be discharged through the opening in said cover.

LEQ JAMES RIGGLE. 

